GB2172926A

GB2172926A - Improvements to ladder platforms

Info

Publication number: GB2172926A
Application number: GB08606732A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brendan Long
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-03-22
Filing date: 1986-03-19
Publication date: 1986-10-01
Also published as: GB2172926B; GB8606732D0; GB8507484D0

Abstract

A ladder platform having mounting means comprising two interconnected hooks (7, 8) generally of 'U' shape disposed one above the other with their open mouths downwardly directed in the same direction and substantially in line so that they can be hooked from above respectively over two adjacent rungs (12) of a ladder (6) and when so fitted extend generally longitudinally of the ladder. A platform member (1) is secured atop of the upper hook. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements to ladder platforms This invention relates to a ladder platform, i.e. a platform which can be fitted to a ladder to provide a larger standing area than that provided by the rungs of the ladder. When standing at a fixed height on a ladder for significant periods of time, it is well known that much discomfort is experienced to the feet and the backs of the legs, attributable to an unusual position of the feet coupled with the small size of the rungs which are designed into ladders. Ladder platforms are designed to alleviate this discomfort.

Ladder platforms are known and generally provide a platform suspended from a rung by means of two hooks positioned close to its extremities and rigidly linked to the platform which rests on a lower rung. In turn the platform has some means of location on the lower rung, so that the whole assembly may be stable.

These devices are not wholly successful because the use of hooks which are linked to an upper rung restricts the useful width of a platform. Furthermore, the rigid links prevent the tread of the platform area being increased without extending it forward of the rung, thereby making it difficult for an operator to step past the platform when ascending and descending the ladder.

According to this invention, there is provided a ladder platform having mounting means comprising two interconnected hooks generally of 'U' shape disposed one above the other with their open mouths downwardly directed in the same direction and substantially in line so that they can be hooked from above respectively over two adjacent rungs of a ladder and when so fitted extend generally longitu dinallyofthe ladder, and a platform member secured atop of the upper hook member. Thus the size of the platform area is not constrained by the design of the hooks and the complete unit can be easily fitted to, or removed from the ladder.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 shows a front view of the platform, Figure 2 shows a sectional side view of the platform on the line ll-ll of Figure 1 when mounted on a ladder.

Referring to Figure 1,the ladder platform comprises a platform member 1 secured atop of mounting means in the form of two tubular metal side frames 2 and 3, one at each side of the platform. Each of the side frames 2 and 3 comprises metal frame members 4 and 5 so shaped that the whole can be releasably mounted onto a ladder 6. Thus each of the side frames 2 and 3 define two interconnected and generally 'U' shaped hooks 7 and 8 (Figure 2) disposed one above the other with their open mouths directed downwardly in the same direction, the two 'U' shaped hooks being substantially in line, i.e. they have a common central plane extending between the limbs of the two 'U's as indicated by chain-dotted line 9. The frame member 2 defines the upper 'U' and one limb of the lower 'U'.The frame member 3 defines the other limb of the lower 'U' and extends upwardly alongside the one limb of the upper 'U' and then extends outwardly as an arm 10 which assists in supporting the platform member 1.

The metal frame members 2 and 3 may be made, for example, from tubular steel and are attached to each other by, for example, welding. The two side frames 2 and 3 are interconnected by cross-ties 11 secured at their ends in the frame member 3. The platform member is secured to the upper 'U' 7 and to the arm 10.

The ladder platform is fitted to a pair of adjacent rungs 12 of a ladder from above, the rungs 12 locating in the 'U' shaped hooks 7 and 8. When fitted, the mounting means extend longitudinally of the ladder as seen in Figure 2, i.e. the central plane 9 extends along the side 13 of the ladder 6.

Although the illustrations show the ladder platform fitted to a single ladder, it is to be understood that it is applicable to situations where extension ladders and the like are being used.

Furthermore, the design has been optimised for the angle of ladder to the horizontal of 60 which is recommended as good practice; i.e. the platform member 1 extends horizontally when the angle of the ladder is 600. However, it would be within the compass of this invention to allow for other angles or to allow for a platform whose angle was adjustable.

The ladder platform is capable of mounting onto most designs of standard ladder rungs, but it is within the compass of this invention to provide adjusting means to accommodate other widths of rung if it is thought necessary.

It is also to be noted that the platform has been deliberately designed to allow for the ease of the operator; namely, the ease of attachment and release and the provision of space for stepping past the platform if required, so that, whilst the platform is in place, the platform does not impede the normal use of the ladder because it is designed to extend rearwardly ofthe ladder. Furthermore, it is also within the scope of this invention that the platform member may be made adjustable so that it can be slid forwards or backwards on the mounting means, in order that operators may adjust it to their preferred position.

1. A ladder platform having mounting means comprising two interconnected hooks generally of 'U' shape disposed one above the other with their open mouths downwardly directed in the same direction and substantially in line so that they can be hooked from above respectively over two adjacent rungs of a ladder and when so fitted extend generally longitudinally of the ladder, and a platform member secured atop of the upper hook.

2. A ladder platform according to claim 1, wherein the mounting means comprises two similar side frames mounted one at each side of the platform and inter-connected with each other.

3. A ladder platform according to claim 2, wherein each of said side frame comprises a first frame

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Improvements to ladder platforms This invention relates to a ladder platform, i.e. a platform which can be fitted to a ladder to provide a larger standing area than that provided by the rungs of the ladder. When standing at a fixed height on a ladder for significant periods of time, it is well known that much discomfort is experienced to the feet and the backs of the legs, attributable to an unusual position of the feet coupled with the small size of the rungs which are designed into ladders. Ladder platforms are designed to alleviate this discomfort. Ladder platforms are known and generally provide a platform suspended from a rung by means of two hooks positioned close to its extremities and rigidly linked to the platform which rests on a lower rung. In turn the platform has some means of location on the lower rung, so that the whole assembly may be stable. These devices are not wholly successful because the use of hooks which are linked to an upper rung restricts the useful width of a platform. Furthermore, the rigid links prevent the tread of the platform area being increased without extending it forward of the rung, thereby making it difficult for an operator to step past the platform when ascending and descending the ladder. According to this invention, there is provided a ladder platform having mounting means comprising two interconnected hooks generally of 'U' shape disposed one above the other with their open mouths downwardly directed in the same direction and substantially in line so that they can be hooked from above respectively over two adjacent rungs of a ladder and when so fitted extend generally longitu dinallyofthe ladder, and a platform member secured atop of the upper hook member. Thus the size of the platform area is not constrained by the design of the hooks and the complete unit can be easily fitted to, or removed from the ladder. A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 shows a front view of the platform, Figure 2 shows a sectional side view of the platform on the line ll-ll of Figure 1 when mounted on a ladder. Referring to Figure 1,the ladder platform comprises a platform member 1 secured atop of mounting means in the form of two tubular metal side frames 2 and 3, one at each side of the platform. Each of the side frames 2 and 3 comprises metal frame members 4 and 5 so shaped that the whole can be releasably mounted onto a ladder 6. Thus each of the side frames 2 and 3 define two interconnected and generally 'U' shaped hooks 7 and 8 (Figure 2) disposed one above the other with their open mouths directed downwardly in the same direction, the two 'U' shaped hooks being substantially in line, i.e. they have a common central plane extending between the limbs of the two 'U's as indicated by chain-dotted line 9. The frame member 2 defines the upper 'U' and one limb of the lower 'U'.The frame member 3 defines the other limb of the lower 'U' and extends upwardly alongside the one limb of the upper 'U' and then extends outwardly as an arm 10 which assists in supporting the platform member 1. The metal frame members 2 and 3 may be made, for example, from tubular steel and are attached to each other by, for example, welding. The two side frames 2 and 3 are interconnected by cross-ties 11 secured at their ends in the frame member 3. The platform member is secured to the upper 'U' 7 and to the arm 10. The ladder platform is fitted to a pair of adjacent rungs 12 of a ladder from above, the rungs 12 locating in the 'U' shaped hooks 7 and 8. When fitted, the mounting means extend longitudinally of the ladder as seen in Figure 2, i.e. the central plane 9 extends along the side 13 of the ladder 6. Although the illustrations show the ladder platform fitted to a single ladder, it is to be understood that it is applicable to situations where extension ladders and the like are being used. Furthermore, the design has been optimised for the angle of ladder to the horizontal of 60 which is recommended as good practice; i.e. the platform member 1 extends horizontally when the angle of the ladder is 600. However, it would be within the compass of this invention to allow for other angles or to allow for a platform whose angle was adjustable. The ladder platform is capable of mounting onto most designs of standard ladder rungs, but it is within the compass of this invention to provide adjusting means to accommodate other widths of rung if it is thought necessary. It is also to be noted that the platform has been deliberately designed to allow for the ease of the operator; namely, the ease of attachment and release and the provision of space for stepping past the platform if required, so that, whilst the platform is in place, the platform does not impede the normal use of the ladder because it is designed to extend rearwardly ofthe ladder. Furthermore, it is also within the scope of this invention that the platform member may be made adjustable so that it can be slid forwards or backwards on the mounting means, in order that operators may adjust it to their preferred position. CLAIMS

3. A ladder platform according to claim 2, wherein each of said side frame comprises a first frame member defining the upper 'U' and one limb of the lower 'U' and a second frame member fixed to the first frame member and defining the other limb of the lower 'U'.

4. A ladder platform according to claim 3, wherein said second frame member extends upwardly along one limb of the upper 'U' and then bends outwardly away from the upper 'U' to form an arm which assists in supporting the platform member.

5. A ladder platform according to claim 4, wherein said side frames are interconnected by crossstruts which extend between and are secured to said second frame members.

6. A ladder platform substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.